Introduction

Random Thoughts and Concerns About The End Of The World As We Know It
Part 1
Start where you are, use what you have, and do what you can.

Origins

This document is the result of a serious, sometimes heated, and ongoing discussion about the importance of protecting family and a way of life, in the aftermath of a cataclysmic life-changing event. I was arguing for compassion and against tribalism, meaning that anyone outside of a known few (family and friends) should be considered dangerous and treated with extreme prejudice.

I began by insisting that Jesus’ command to “Love your neighbor as yourself” included everyone, and that defining who your neighbor is was not what Jesus had in mind. In fact, Jesus went even further when he said, “This is my commandment: Love one another as I have loved you”, which sets a very high bar. The other side took a more practical approach, recognizing that unknown groups of people presented a potential threat of unknown severity; which I’ll admit, made sense.

Their simple challenge to me was: Based on a limited supply of drinkable water and food and the desire to live by Biblical principles; who gets what and why? Their decisions were: 1) If we believe any of the [disastrous] situations are probable we should prepare to provide for ourselves and help others as well; 2) We cannot save everyone; 3) Family and fellow believers have first call on our resources; 4) We have a moral obligation to oppose evil by defending ourselves and those under our care, with deadly force if necessary; and 5) During situations of anarchy or other social breakdown we should attempt to reestablish legitimate rule of law.

This was followed by a sincere query: What would you advise us to change? They were looking for an honest critique, recognizing that “iron sharpens iron”. To answer that question, I decided to better define and understand my position, which by the way was morphing daily.

As usual with these things, the more I learned the more I realized I didn’t know. What started out as disconnected notes, which I was heavily editing to make sense of the information I was collecting, quickly developed into an obsession to organize what I was learning.

I’ve learned a lot and consequently made adjustments in what I believe. If you keep reading you’re going to learn where I stand; it’s not always pretty, or convenient, or politically correct, and in some cases cognitive dissonance remains.

Hopefully what you read in the following pages will seem like review or a summary of stuff you’ve read elsewhere, and if not, then hopefully it will seem like common sense.

Apologies

To support my initial argument, I was relying on input from family and friends, the Bible and commentaries, and the internet and social media. Unfortunately, because it was “just notes”, I wasn’t doing a good job of recording the sources of the information I was collecting. I’ve gone back to locate and credit the initial sources of the information found in this version of the document.

My research led me to more detailed sources, such as printed books, printed and digital news services, and live and recorded lectures, and as a result, this document is an anthology, or more correctly, a compilation of information from many sources.

I am amazed at how open and abundant the information is, and I am crediting these sources. Much of their contributions remain just like I found it. My own text is cited to reduce doubt or concern about its origin, and some of that comes from ideas or is sprinkled with text from the other sources.

Please don’t blame the other sources, however, because in many cases I’ve heavily edited their original text. In some cases, I’ve rearranged or removed entire paragraphs, and in other cases I’ve added text to introduce, embellish, or clarify my point. I apologize to those who feel their work has been distorted.

Disclaimer

This document contains material that has not been specifically authorized by the owner. The material presented here is primarily for my own use, and for information purposes only.

The information and ideas presented in this document reflect my personal journey. It is shared here in the spirit of freedom. The reader is hereby cautioned, and instructed, to form his or her own free and independent opinion.

The views expressed are mine, or the original source where appropriate. No part of this document should be taken to include legal or expert advice, instruction, or commands. The reader is responsible for his or her own actions.

About Me

I'm a Liberal and a Catholic and I'm also a gun owner, which makes me something of an enigma or at best a public contradiction; because despite my politics and religion I strongly support the Second Amendment.

I am a shooter and a pro-gun advocate. It started before I was in High School, it continued in college and during my six years of military service, and it continues today. I believe the right to keep and bear arms should not be restricted. I believe government is the problem, not the solution. I believe in universal concealed carry, although I prefer open carry.

I am uncomfortable with the rant against all liberals as “gun grabbers”, because I identify myself as a liberal. Nevertheless, I am a gun rights advocate in agreement with the rant that makes me uncomfortable. That doesn't mean that I accept the hype about all liberals being "the enemy".

Believe me ... Liberals don't want your guns ... we have our own! That misdirection is being perpetrated by an elite class that wants to divide and conquer, because gun owners stand in their way. United we stand and divided we will all lose our 2A rights, followed by the rest of our rights, and eventually our freedom, our way of life, and possibly even our lives.

That same elite class is taking advantage of all the chaos, to promote the "common good", restrict our freedoms, and marginalize everyone they disagree with. It's time to think for yourself. If you remain focused on liberals you've already lost the fight.